DOLCE DIET LIFESTYLE:
Post-Workout Mistakes That Keep the Pounds On
by Samantha Coogan, MS, RDN, LD
Waiting Too Long to Eat
Your body has just been through purposeful stress and is in need of recovery and repair. The more you work out, the more muscle you build, which increases your metabolism. Therefore, you need food ASAP with a good mixture of carbs and protein to start the repair process. Shoot for something 30 minutes to an hour post-workout. A quick post-workout snack is a scoop of whey protein isolate with a piece of fruit, or Greek yogurt and berries. Then try to get in a full meal an hour or so after that.
Rewarding Yourself Too Much
Why undo everything you just did? You’ve EARNED your food, so don’t try to bribe yourself into doing certain exercises with the expectation of a reward at the end. The true reward is the results you develop. You’re also not a child who needs tangible rewards. Self-gratification should be enough. So don’t use your intense workout as an excuse to take down half a bag of Hot Cheetos. If you want to truly reward your body, give it what it deserves, which is quality, Earth-grown nutrients.
Waiting Too Long Between Sessions
Now, it is important not to overtrain. However, if Monday’s workout made you sore, don’t wait until the following Monday to go back once the soreness has subsided. One of the best things you can do for sore muscles is active recovery and keeping those muscles engaged, just at a lower intensity. I know when my legs are sore from leg day, I’ll still do some air squats the following day just to get blood flowing in the area, and it helps reduce my overall muscle soreness. Yes, the first few reps are pretty tough, but you’ll feel better and better the more you warm up.
Join our online training program today!
Guaranteed results or your money back!
Lose up to 21 pounds in 21 days!
